A CONSTRUCTION firm, SBT Juul Africa has prayed the Akwa-Ibom State government to accept the ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, the state capital that the controversy surrounding the construction of the state Science Park be resolved amicably, in order to pave the way for integrated technology incubation and development.This is coming on the heels of disagreement surrounding an abandoned science park project in Akwa-Ibom State undertaken by the company.According to a statement by the companys lawyers, Aluko and Oyebode Chambers SBT Juul Africa had on January 30, 2006, entered into a turnkey contract with the Akwa-Ibom State government for the construction of a science park. Work on the project had commenced the same year and was based on sums advanced by the state and covered by an Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) issued by SBT Juul.The agreement was that upon completion of work for each stage, the APG would be released and the state would effect payment for a fresh tranche of work. The law firm explained that SBT Juul carried out the project diligently but experienced difficulty due to repeated failures on the part of the state to make payments as and when due.Specifically, in May 2007, after the change in political administration of the state, the state ceased to show financial commitment towards the project.The chamber noted that in December 2007, at the point of exhaustion of project funds made available by the state, the construction company had handed over three operational Uyo Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) sites to the state through the Ministry of Science and Technology, represented by the Commissioner, Hon. Samuel Efanga, who expressed satisfaction at the extent of work executed.The statement stated further, upon assumption of office in 2007, the new administration under the leadership of Governor Godswill Akpabio, at various times between 2007 and 2009, appointed inhouse consultants and different audit firms, particularly KPMG and Millennium Choice Technologies Ltd (a company represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor), to review the project.SBT Juul co-operated with the consulting and audit firms, despite reservations it had about the independence of some of the entities, by providing them with all documentations relating to the project.However, SBT Juul never received any report in respect of the exercise.The statement also noted that due to the neglect of the project by the state and the lack of commitment on the part of the state, extensive damage had been occasioned on the project site as a result of erosion and other natural elements, leaving both the building and its components in danger of collapsing.The attorneys affirm that SBT Juul remains willing to have any issues relating to the execution of the project resolved amicably despite what it considers the states reluctance towards attempts at settlement.The firm believes that the timely resolution of the conflict would not only curb the waste occasioned by the abandonment of the project, but will further ensure satisfactory completion of the park leading to technological advancement for the state, as well as, job and wealth creation for the people.
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